Mobile X-ray unit

Abstract

A portable X-ray unit, of a relatively light-weight, occoping a volume of less then one-half a cubic foot containing an x-ray head assembly, a unique Marx generator, a plurality of spark-gap switches and control electronics is disclosed. The Marx generator allows for the development of a relatively high voltage in excess of 100 kV, yet allows for the discharge thereof within the nanosecond range. The Marx generator is enclosed by an acrylic insulator that cooperates with an aluminum enclosure, which functions as a return current path for the capacitors in the Marx generator and also as a shield against the escape of electromagnetic radiation from the pulsed x-ray unit. The Marx generator and spark-gap switches are confined within the pressurized chamber that may contain nitrogen gas to reduce the separation of the gap in the spark-gap switches.

Description

1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to X-ray machines and, more particularly, to a battery operated X-ray machine having an improved circuit arrangement so as to generate intense relatively short pulsed of X-rays. This invention allows for the overall weight of the X-ray machine to be reduced with a corresponding reduction in its physical size so that it more advantageously serves as a portable device.2. Description of the Prior Art is X-ray machines that generate X-rays from cold field emission of electrons from the cathode of an X-ray tube are commonly employed in pulsed shadowgraph radiographs. Pulsed or flash shadowgraph radiograph was developed in 1938 as a means for observing extremely rapid motion where the subject was obscured from observation with visible light or debris. To date, flash radiography remains the principal means of observing lensed implosions and ballistic impacts over microsecond and nanosecond time scales. The majority of these X-ray syste...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an X-ray machine that is of a relatively light-weight, about 26 pounds,occupies less than one half of a cubic foot,and may serve as a compact and portable device for use in remote locations requiring ease of mobility.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable X-ray unit that generates a high dose X-ray pulse, which has a short time duration, 10-100 nanoseconds. This short X-ray pulse eliminates the need for long integration time, so that it advantageously may be used for high resolution digital detector arrays.

Detector arrays, such as charge coupled device(CCD) or a amorphous silicon devices both of which are used in digital processing cameras have high dark currents when integrating over long time exposures unless cooled to about 0.degree. Fahrenheit; the dark current of these devices decreases their sensitivity.

The energy storage capacitors within the Marx column are surrounded with an insulating pressurized shell 12 and covered by a close fitting aluminum cylinder 32 which acts as the outer conductor of a lumped coaxial transmission line. The outer aluminum cylinder also functions as a very effective Faraday shield preventing the escape of potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation from the pulsed X-ray unit.

Problems solved by technology

Detector arrays, such as charge coupled device(CCD) or a amorphous silicon devices both of which are used in digital processing cameras have high dark currents when integrating over long time exposures unless cooled to about 0.degree. Fahrenheit; the dark current of these devices decreases their sensitivity.

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